Yorba Linda High School offers a wide variety of different clubs that students can participate in. As club rush approaches, students will be given the opportunity to join as many clubs as they are interested in; among the expansive list of clubs at YLHS, the American Red Cross club is one club that students should sign up for.

The mission statement of the American Red Cross is to “prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.” Students who join the club will be able to take part in events such as mapping out vulnerable communities in the world, fundraising for victims of local California wildfires, volunteering at blood drives, and much more. According to Erika Lee (12), one of the best parts of being a member of the American Red Cross club is that “You are always doing something to help make a difference, whether it’s something as small as writing letters, or as large as donating blood.” Students will have many opportunities to serve the American Red Cross in their many lines of service, through both the school club and the county.

The best way to start getting involved in the American Red Cross is by creating a Volunteer Connection account at https://www.redcross.org/sso/vc.html?resume=/idp/fBaQP/resumeSAML20/idp/SSO.ping&spentity=http://pingone.com/d5b109be-ce0e-4a23-b2ea-171a180ac2a5. It may take a few weeks for students to have their accounts approved, but once their accounts are approved, they will be able to sign up for events and log their own service hours. Volunteer Connection will give students the opportunity to register for county events such as GIFT meetings, Service Saturdays, and socials.

Events such as GIFT meetings give students the opportunity to learn more about how to get involved with the American Red Cross outside of the YLHS Red Cross club. Service Saturdays are service events that are held once a month that allow students to volunteer with high school students across the county. Socials are an excellent way for students to meet other Red Cross volunteers across the county while also earning community service hours.

The Red Cross community is very welcoming, and it allows students to get as involved as they want. According to Brent Jorgenson (10), one of the best reasons to join the Red Cross club is “the flexibility and the constant ability to get service hours.” Being involved in the YLHS Red Cross club will allow students to develop their leadership abilities, connect with like-minded people across the county, and serve their community. As a national organization, students will be able to participate in a club that has a large impact. No matter how involved an individual is in the club, there is a place for everyone in the YLHS Red Cross club.